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Five Minutes With... David Manchon

Published on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 in Five Minutes With Horsezone
David riding Roc with cattle on the roof during the Rooftop Express Show

Anyone who attended EQUITANA 2011 will remember David Manchon, one of the very talented horsemen competing in The Way Of The Horse event. Since then David's career has reached new heights - literally - with his Rooftop Express Show!

When he's not busy thrilling crowds and working on this unique new show, David operates Flex Horse Breaking and Training from a 40 acre horse facility in QLD.

David is well known in the industry for his ability to start a young performance horse under saddle. He prepares many Australian Stock Horse and Quarter Horse two year olds for their careers in the show pen and also produces a quality young horse for a non-pro. David shows horses in the western sport of Reining and also competes on the Challenge/Campdraft circuit throughout QLD/NSW.

This week Horsezone caught up with David to find out more...

David and Royalle Heartacre showing in the 2011 Finals of the Cloncurry Stockmans Challenge

When did you first become involved with horses?

I always rode as a kid but with varied success. My nickname was ‘topple off’ for obvious reasons. 

What horse sports do you participate in?

I show and train Challenge Horses as well as ASH Futurity and Maturity horses.

What is your favourite horse sport?

I appreciate any horse sport performed at a high level. I like Stockmans Challenges. It takes a particular horse to be able to run a dry work pattern and then back up and be able to chase a cow.

Do you have a favourite horse that you have trained?

It does give me a thrill seeing Non Pro’s do well on horses I have trained or given them lessons on. My favourite horse would have to be Rocy ( the horse David rides in the Rooftop Express Show - editor). We have done a lot together.

What attributes do you think make a great horse and what should people look for when buying?

Conformation that allows the horse to do the manouvres easily and a trainable temperament.

If you could own/ride any horse in the world who would it be?

It would be Wimpy’s Little Step. A multi million dollar sire. What a weapon.

Which of your achievements so far have you been most proud of?

Winning an Open Reining competition, my first Maiden Campdraft win, and getting The Rooftop Express Show to the level that it is now.

Tell us a bit about Flex Horse Training?

The majority of horses that come to the Flex Horse Training stables are for Challenge events and ASH Futurities and Maturities.

Roc on his back with David and the character "Jacko" from Injune 2012 Rooftop Express performance

How do you stay motivated - what gets you out of bed in the morning?

I’m consistently aiming to achieve my entertainment, showpen and breeding goals on a daily basis, and for the longterm. Also, I think when we ride we are all chasing a feel. In training and showing horses it is that feel that almost becomes addictive. As well as a great cup of coffee!

What training tip would you offer to someone getting started in competition?

Pick a good horse that suits you – this enables your confidence and success will follow.

Rooftop Express looks like a great show - tell us about it?

The Rooftop Express is a first class arena spectacular show that features world first stunts, true blue Australian comedy and awe-inspiring horsemanship. Its loveable bush characters and amusing storyline encourages crowd participation and family fun. A must see for anyone who ever wanted to put on a cowboy hat.

 

How did you come up with the idea of The Rooftop Express Show?

I have been fortunate to have worked and been involved with many entertainment productions (Australian Outback Spectacular, Gold Coast; Network 10 for Toasted TV, Totally Wild & Outback 8; Various films; TV commercials), and have been lucky enough to interact with equine entertainment professionals and leaders over the years. The idea grew from being involved and seeing many different entertainment productions using horses, cattle and dogs in different genres. I am also lucky enough to be good mates with Errol Thomas (Thomas Manufacturing), who built the rig when I came to him with this wild idea.

David performing on Terminator at EQUITANA Melbourne 2010

Where can people see the show in the next few months?

Current finalised shows where The Rooftop Express Show will be performed at this year so far is:

Toowoomba Royal Show, QLD    11 – 13 April 2013

Roma Show, QLD                        10 – 11 May 2013

Gympie Show, QLD                     16 – 18 May 2013

Emerald Show, QLD                      4 – 5 June 2013

Rockhampton Show, QLD              7 – 9 June 2013

Nambour Show, QLD                 14 – 16 June 2013

The whole crew would love to see as many people as possible at each and every performance. The show thrives on audience participation, and it really is targeted towards family-fun entertainment.

What are your plans for the future?

How long do we have?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

With a stronger band of broodmares, being a more evolved trainer with a bigger, better show.

If you'd never got involved with working with horses what would you be doing?

I did a degree in journalism, so I would probably be involved in public relations.

If you could invite any 3 people to dinner who would they be?

Richard Branson, Muhammed Ali and Andre Fappanni.

Thanks so much for your time David. We can't wait to catch the Rooftop Express Show!

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By: Jo Johnson/Horsezone


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